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A little girl brushing her teeth at home to prepare for pediatric dental sedation

Sedation Dentistry in Atlanta, GA

  • Finding the right sedation dentistry in Atlanta means finding a dental team you can trust with your child. At Pediatric Sedation Center of Georgia, we specialize in children's dental sedation—helping children who struggle with dental anxiety, extensive treatment needs, or special needs receive the dental care they deserve.

    We're Atlanta's only 5-star rated pediatric sedation center. That reputation comes from hundreds of families who trusted us with their children and left confident they made the right choice.

    What Is Sedation Dentistry?

    Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax and remain comfortable during dental procedures. For children, sedation dentistry offers a solution when traditional approaches—like nitrous oxide alone or behavioral techniques—aren't enough to help them through a dental visit.

    Unlike routine dental care where your child sits awake in the dental chair, sedation allows them to sleep through treatment. Some call this sleep dentistry. Most children wake with no memory of the procedure, which helps prevent dental fear or dental phobia from developing.

    Sedation dentistry isn't about convenience. It's about giving children access to dental treatment they couldn't otherwise receive safely.

    Types of Sedation We Offer

    We specialize in deeper sedation for children who need more than what a general pediatric dentist can provide. Many children do well with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation at their regular dentist—but when those options aren't enough, that's where we come in.

    IV Sedation — Our most common approach. Intravenous sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream, allowing our anesthesiologist precise control over the level of sedation throughout the dental procedure. Children fall asleep quickly and stay in a deep state of relaxation until treatment is complete. This is ideal for children with significant dental anxiety, extensive treatment needs, or special needs that make lighter sedation insufficient.

    General Anesthesia / Hospital Sedation — For children with complex medical conditions or extensive dental needs, we coordinate hospital-based sedation where additional medical resources are immediately available. General anesthesia produces complete unconsciousness and is appropriate when the highest level of monitoring and support is needed.

    Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?

    Sedation dentistry helps patients who experience anxiety about visiting the dentist, but it's especially valuable for children who:

    • Have dental anxiety or dental phobia — Some children are terrified of the dentist due to past negative dental experiences, sensory sensitivities, or true dental fear that makes traditional dental visits impossible.
    • Need extensive dental treatment — Multiple cavities, crowns, or extractions that would require many separate dental appointments can be completed in one visit under sedation.
    • Have special needs — Children with autism, sensory processing disorders, or other medical conditions often struggle with the dental office environment. Sedation removes that barrier entirely.
    • Are very young — Toddlers and young children may lack the developmental ability to cooperate for dental procedures, no matter how patient the dentist.
    • Had failed attempts elsewhere — Many families come to us after their child couldn't complete routine dental care at a general pediatric dentist.

    If your child can benefit from sedation dentistry, we'll help you understand which type of sedation is right for their situation.

    Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

    Pediatric dentist with child patient in dental chair

    Yes—sedation is a safe and effective option when performed by qualified professionals using proper protocols. At our Atlanta sedation center, safety measures include:

    • Board-certified anesthesiologist present for every sedation procedure
    • Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing throughout
    • Emergency equipment and medications ready before any procedure begins
    • Thorough medical history review to ensure your child is a good candidate
    • AAP and AAPD guidelines followed completely

    The risks of leaving dental disease untreated—infection, pain, damage to developing teeth, declining oral health—often outweigh the risks of sedation performed correctly by a qualified dental team.

    For detailed information about our safety protocols, see Is Pediatric Dental Sedation Safe?

    What to Expect During Your Dental Experience

    Before your dental appointment: Nothing to eat or drink after 11pm the night before. Dress your child in comfortable clothes with a short-sleeve shirt underneath. Bring two adults—one to drive, one to monitor your child on the way home from our dental office.

    During the procedure: Your child spends time in our kid-friendly pre-op area before moving to the sedation suite. Once medication is administered, they fall asleep quickly. You'll wait in our dedicated waiting area while our dental team keeps you updated throughout. We want your dental experience to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

    After sedation: Expect your child to be groggy for 2-4 hours. They may have no memory of the procedure. Plan for rest the remainder of the day. Most children feel completely normal by the next morning and can return to routine dental care for cleanings without the anxiety they had before.

    For complete preparation instructions, see Preparing for Sedation.

    Smiling child in dental chair before a dental visit

    Why Choose Pediatric Sedation Center of Georgia?

    We're not a general dentist who happens to offer sedation dentistry. Pediatric dental sedation is all we do. This specialization means a better dental experience for your child.

    Specialized expertise: Dr. Todd Asarch and our dental team have performed thousands of pediatric sedation procedures. We've seen the complex dental cases, the anxious children, the worried parents.

    Communication: Parents consistently tell us we kept them informed at every step. You'll never be left wondering what's happening with your child during their dental treatment.

    A team that cares: Read our reviews. Parents mention specific doctors and staff by name because our team treats every child like they matter.

    Professional affiliations: We maintain membership in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and Society for Pediatric Sedation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is sedation dentistry worth it?
    For children who can't receive dental care any other way, absolutely. Sedation allows complete dental treatment in one visit, prevents traumatic memories, and protects your child's oral health long-term.

    Can I request sedation at the dentist?
    Yes. If your child struggles with dental anxiety or has extensive treatment needs, ask about sedation options during your consultation. Not every dental office offers sedation dentistry—we specialize in it and can help you relax knowing your child is in expert hands.

    Will my child feel pain?
    No. The combination of sedation and local anesthesia means your child feels nothing during the dental procedure and wakes up relaxed and comfortable.

    How long does dental sedation last?
    Effects typically last 2-4 hours after the procedure. Your child should rest for the remainder of the day following their dental visit.

    Have more questions? Visit our Pediatric Sedation FAQs page for answers.

    Schedule Your Consultation

    If your child needs dental care but can't tolerate traditional dentistry, sedation dentistry in Atlanta at Pediatric Sedation Center of Georgia may be the answer. Call us at 470-395-2524 to schedule a consultation. We'll review your child's needs, answer your questions, and help you understand whether sedation is right for your family.

    Pediatric Sedation Center of Georgia
    8180 Mall Parkway, Suite 810
    Stonecrest, GA 30038

Pediatric Sedation Center of Georgia